Neocosmospora caricae sp. nov. and N. metavorans, two new stem and trunk canker pathogens on Ficus carica in Iran

Abstract During 2018–2021, a survey was conducted in rainfed fig ( Ficus carica L.) orchards throughout the Fars Province of Iran to investigate occurrence canker diseases, and identify causal organisms. Morphological cultural characteristics, as well multilocus phylogenetic analyses internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region rDNA, RNA polymerase II second largest subunit RPB2 ), translation elongation factor 1-alpha TEF1 revealed that recovered isolates from infected trees clustered clade 3 Neocosmospora Nectriaceae including N. metavorans , new taxon described here caricae sp. nov. is characterised by falcate, multiseptate, gently dorsoventrally curved macroconidia with poorly developed foot-shaped basal cells, ovoid, aseptate microconidia cluster false heads, abundant terminal or intercalary chlamydospores. Pathogenicity tests indicated both species were pathogenic, causing stem wood discolouration on saplings “Sabz” “Shah Anjeer” cultivars. The present study adds existing knowledge aetiology trunk canker, may provide essential information for developing effective integrated management strategies against diseases affecting Iran.